Ask Wombat Sports: The Skinny on Weight Cutting

We are starting to take questions from our readers from time to time via our twitter and Facebook.

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Various people this week have been asking about female fighting and weight cutting.

This part of fighting has been somewhat of a controversial subject because some fighters are known not to be able to cut the pounds properly and are grossly over the contracted weight.

This mainly happens in the featherweight weight class, as a lightweight division has yet to be developed. Personally, I am hoping this changes in the next year.

Not being a dietitian at all, I can tell you things that I have heard from experts in terms of the challenges that women face in cutting weight. The first fact is that women must carry a higher body fat ratio in order to stay health. It’s one of the reasons why men can diet and lose pounds faster than women.

The other is menstrual cycles. Women tend to retain water at certain parts of the month, which makes their weight fluctuate.

Both of these must be taken in consideration when deciding to drop a weight class. Many fighters do what is called a “practice cut” to make sure they are able to do a drop in weight safely and effectively. I highly recommend this, especially if you are a pro.

Others also employ dietitians to make sure their diet will be both healthy and improve their mobility and strength during training.

The fact is that if you are an amateur fighter, these are the times to experiment with weight and not be held too much accountability for your actions. Most amateurs actually drop down a weight class as they turn pro.

I just recommend you be safe and feel free to ask questions to other fighters and coaches in the community. Many are open to helping you make the cut when you hit the scales.